As a former contracting grunt, my understanding is that the smaller groups tend to have no money and be at least as disorganized as the big ones. I saw several

As a former contracting grunt, my understanding is that the smaller groups tend to have no money and be at least as disorganized as the big ones. I saw several small companies trying to work their way up, and their method of choice seemed to be subcontracting to the big contractors to help meet small business requirements. It helps if you manage the tick the disabled-minority-veteran boxes, because then you have a better shot of getting some of the small business setasides. And hey! If your small business manages to become prime on a contract, you'll find that Raytheon or Lockheed or Boeing will be willing to sub to you...